BC-AP Sports Preview Digest

Some of the sports stories The Associated Press is covering Thursday. A full Sports Digest will be sent at about 3 p.m. All times EDT.

– WASHINGTON – Half the U.S. Senate urges NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell to change the Washington Redskins’ name, saying it is a racist slur and it is time to replace it.

– NEW YORK – The Rangers, getting lots of scoring and great play from goalie Henrik Lundqvist, are back home and leading the Montreal Canadiens 2-0 in the Eastern Conference finals. Game starts 8 p.m.

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– EL SEGUNDO, Calif. – The Kings and Blackhawks are 1-1 in the Western Conference finals entering Game 3 Saturday. Chicago must win on the road if it is to return to the Stanley Cup finals.

– MIAMI – The Indiana Pacers are hoping Paul George will be able to play following a concussion in the Eastern Conference finals. The series is 1-1, with Game 3 in Miami on Saturday night.

– OKLAHOMA CITY – The Spurs are up 2-0 and in command against the Thunder, a greatly diminished team without Serge Ibaka. Game 3 of the Western Conference finals is Sunday.

– PARIS – Rafael Nadal is favored by most to win the French Open, a Grand Slam tournament he has won a record eight times. But his three losses on clay this spring are the most he’s had in a season since 2004.

– INDIANAPOLIS – Scott Dixon is flying under the radar leading to the Indianapolis 500. It’s exactly how he’s tried to have it for his entire career.

– CONCORD, N.C. – The Coca Cola 600 is almost the halfway point in the NASCAR season before the playoffs. Drivers get another chance Sunday in a system that stresses wins rather than points.

– FORT WORTH, Texas – Adam Scott plays with the No. 1 ranking for the first time when the Colonial begins. He is grouped with two-time Colonial champion Zach Johnson and Jimmy Walker.

– MOBILE, Ala. – No. 1 Inbee Park and No. 2 Stacy Lewis renew their fight for the top spot in the world in the first round of the Airbus LPGA Classic.

– BENTON HARBOR, Mich. – Colin Montgomerie plays in his first Senior PGA Championship. Kenny Perry is coming off a victory entering the major at Harbor Shores.

– STANFORD, Calif. – U.S. coach Jurgen Klinsmann will be counting on goalkeeper Tim Howard to lead an inexperienced defense at the World Cup.

– LISBON, Portugal – There is little love between Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid, neighbors who meet in the Champions League final Saturday. This is the first Champions League final between city rivals.

– MONTEVIDEO, Uruguay – Uruguay striker Luis Suarez has arthroscopic surgery on his left knee but is expected to recover in time for the World Cup, where he is to be his team’s main threat.